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Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson
Released On: Jul 17, 2025
76
6.2
All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
76
78% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
11% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
76
78% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
11% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Fretless - The Wrath Of Riffson is a genuine indie gem, and one of my favorite gaming experiences of the year so far. It's a lovely mix of cozy, creative, funny, and addictive as you synchronize with the rhythm-based, flow-state, turn-based combat. I wish some of the level designs and number of enemy-types were a little more robust, but this ultimately boils down to me simply wanting more of this amazing title. This is a must-play for musicians that game, but I'd also wholeheartedly recommend it to the non-musicals as well.
Fretless is not the type of game to lock you in for hours on end, or change your life, but it shines in its environment and sound design. It’s a passion project turned into a downright fun experience.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 6 User Ratings
6.2
67% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
33% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 6 User Ratings
6.2
67% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
33% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
It's a beautiful, very enjoyable game that you can immediately tell was made with a lot of passion. The story is very straightforward and you sort of have to be immersed a bit in the online-guitar world, but if you are, you're guaranteed to be charmed by the looks and gameplay of this.
Report
PC
This GuitaR-PG is a musical delight. A classic RPG of a lifetime, with your exploration to find hidden treasures, and turn-based combat... but where parry is the key to everything. Fun and rocking, loaded with adrenaline at every step.
Despite some disharmony, overall, I really enjoyed Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson. Yes, it’s a short burn, and yes, some minor issues held it back. But it’s still a charming, retro, GuitaR-PG with a lot of heart. If you’re in the mood for an epic Battle of the Bands with a likeable hometown hero, look no further.
While Fretless may not fully realize its own potential, the game is such a fun time with so many clever ideas that it’s absolutely worth experiencing.
Like any creative 4-chord song, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson makes good on the promise of a turn-based RPG that melds a great tune with a stylish bassline. Also much like a 4-chord song, it quickly becomes easy to predict and master, lacking that extra depth to elevate it beyond its accessible design. Even so, it's hard not to play it without a smile on your face and an appreciation for its colourful visuals.
The groundwork for a solid musical RPG is here, and the game’s combat contains the creative spark of something sticky and addictive, this combination of musical decks, FX, and rhythmic inputs. I’m restless after Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson, unclear about most of the game’s choices, like why it can’t even trigger a confirmation prompt before ending a turn during battle. I’d assume these basics are just a given, but sometimes a game reminds you of what we take for granted.
Summary In this turned-based RPG, wield powerful legendary instruments, gather mighty riff attacks and save the land from Rick Riffson's devilish goons and musical hybrid monsters!
Platforms:
- PC
Initial Release Date: Jul 17, 2025
Developer:
- Ritual Studios
Publisher:
Playdigious
Genres: